On a Journey Together

In preparation for the 100th anniversary of the Diocese of Des Moines in 2011, an evangelization effort called "On a Journey Together" launched in the Fall of 2009. This is a four-part process of evangelization and renewal being introduced at all 82 parishes in the diocese. It is expected to involve thousands of people in a faith-sharing opportunity at a grassroots level.

Season Four of this series is about to begin in parishes across our diocese. Listen to Bishop Richard Pates, as he invites all of us to be a part of On a Journey Together.

At its core, evangelization calls for ongoing personal conversion, or a deeper understanding of Jesus' message which results in witnessing to one's faith.

"'On a Journey Together' seeks to awaken the faith within us and inject new energy in our efforts to witness our faith every day of the week," said Bishop Richard Pates.

Session One: Fall 2009
Awakening one's relationship with Jesus and finding words to describe it.
Small groups will gather in parishes, people's homes even coffee shops to talk about their faith.

10 minutes Prayer

20 minutes Reflection and sharing about two questions from "Jesus in Scripture."

20 minutes Reflection and sharing about two from "Jesus in the Church."

20 minutes Reflection and sharing on two or three from "Jesus in the World."

10 minutes Prayer

Session Two: Spring 2010
A call to discipleship, or a better understanding of what following Jesus means.

Suggested Time Frame

10 minutes Prayer

20 minutes Reflection and sharing about two questions from "Jesus in Scripture."

20 minutes Reflection and sharing about two from "Jesus in the Church."

20 minutes Reflection and sharing on two or three from "Jesus in the World."

10 minutes Prayer

Session Three: Fall 2010
Living in Christ through the Church and her sacraments

Suggested Time Frame

10 minutes Prayer

10 minutes: Reflect on 2 questions from "What am I hearing..."

10 minutes: Reflect on 2 questions from "Jesus' call in my own life..."

15 minutes: Reflect on 1 question from "Sharing our stories of faith..."
10 minutes: Reflect on 2 questions from "What difference does a nudge from Jesus make..."

5 minutes: Closing Prayer

Session Four: Spring 2011
Becoming witnesses as the Body of Christ.

Suggested Time Frame

10 minutes Prayer

10 minutes: Reflect on 2 questions from "What am I hearing..."

10 minutes: Reflect on 2 questions from "Jesus' call in my own life..."

15 minutes: Reflect on 1 question from "Sharing our stories of faith..."
10 minutes: Reflect on 2 questions from "What difference does a nudge from Jesus make..."

5 minutes: Closing Prayer

Season 5: Fall, 2011

Companions on the Journey

Suggested Time Frame

10 minutes Prayer

10 minutes Reflect on passage(s) from Church documents

10 minutes Reflect on Question one

10 minutes Reflect on Question two

10 minutes Reflect on Question three

10 minutes Share other memories, thoughts, ponderings

5 minutes Closing Prayer

Book order form for season five, Companions on the Journey is available here.

Ongoing Conversation

Be a part of the conversation within and beyond your parish. Check out the "On a Journey Together" blog, moderated by Dr. Cheryl Fournier, diocesan director of Evangelization, Adult Faith Formation and Lay Ecclesial Ministry.

The centennial celebration will culminate with a large gathering on November 6th at HyVee Hall in downtown Des Moines. The evangelization process, however, will continue in parishes beyond the centennial celebration through ongoing small-group gatherings and thorugh outreach in the greater community.